Nashville Launches Innovative Nursing High School to Transform Healthcare Education

Nashville Welcomes a New Era in Education with Nurses Middle College

Nashville, TN – Exciting news is coming out of Music City! At a recent gathering, the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission gave the green light for the city’s very first public nursing high school—Nurses Middle College, or NursesMC. This is a game-changer for students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare, particularly in nursing, and it’s set to open its doors in 2025.

A Unique Opportunity for Students

NursesMC Nashville will be a four-year public charter high school focusing on nursing education. But what does that really mean? Well, it’s designed to offer students a comprehensive, rigorous education while also providing valuable workforce experiences. Students will be able to earn entry-level patient-care credentials, such as becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant, which will prepare them for both college and their future careers.

What makes this school especially appealing is that it will be open to all Davidson County students who have successfully completed the 8th grade. This means a wide array of pupils will have the chance to explore a field often seen as rewarding but also critically needed—nursing.

Hands-On Learning and Real-World Experience

One of the standout features of NursesMC Nashville is its focus on practical experience. Students won’t just be sitting in classrooms; they will engage in clinical internships where they’ll get hands-on training. They’ll also benefit from mentorship with healthcare professionals, lead community service projects, and can earn college credits while still in high school. On average, students can expect to earn at least three transferable college credits, with many likely to earn 16 or more credits.

Building Partnerships for Success

NursesMC is working closely with Belmont University to secure classroom and laboratory space within its Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing. This partnership is just one of many that the school intends to forge, as the support from local healthcare organizations will be vital in making the program a success. TriStar Health, a major local health provider, is already on board, promising workplace learning opportunities and mentoring for students, as well as tuition support for NursesMC graduates who join their team full-time.

A Mission to Diversify the Nursing Workforce

Dr. Andrea Poynter, the Executive Director of NursesMC Nashville, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “With this charter approval, we’ll be able to help dozens, and soon hundreds, of young people achieve their goal of entering nursing or another health profession.” Her passion for mentoring young people from underrepresented backgrounds is a cornerstone of the school’s mission. She believes that a diverse nursing workforce can significantly impact patients’ health and overall well-being.

The Community’s Reaction

Dr. Mamie Williams, Chair of the NursesMC Nashville Board of Directors, shared her gratitude towards the Commission for understanding the value of a nursing-focused high school. “We’re eager to work with our lead clinical partner, TriStar Health, VUMC nursing, and our other clinical, academic, and community partners to ready NursesMC Nashville to welcome students in 2025,” she stated eagerly.

In addition, Dr. Pamela McCue, CEO of NursesMC, spoke about their confidence in the school’s new model, having successfully implemented it at their flagship location. The proven outcomes are encouraging and provide hope that the Nashville branch will yield similar positive results.

A Bright Future Ahead

With the support of organizations like Bloomberg Philanthropies, which is providing start-up funds as part of a larger national initiative, NursesMC Nashville is not just a dream but a reality on the horizon. This initiative aims to address the skill gaps in healthcare careers, while simultaneously boosting community economic growth.

Nashville is about to foster a new generation of healthcare professionals through NursesMC. With its commitment to education and community engagement, we can all look forward to a healthier and more diverse future in healthcare.